Abstract: Systems and methods of conveyor operation fault detection by a POS system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having a conveyor apparatus that includes a conveyor belt having a conveying surface, a conveyor motor operable to advance the conveyor belt so that an object placed on the conveying surface is conveyed along a path from a first end to a second end of the conveying surface, and a load sensor disposed in the POS system. The method includes receiving, by the processing circuit, from the load sensor, a load measurement signal that includes a mechanical noise signal associated with operation of the conveyor apparatus while the conveyor motor is activated to advance the conveyor belt so as to determine that the conveyor apparatus is operable or inoperable based on the mechanical noise signal.

Abstract: Techniques for self-checkout alert reduction based on packaging detection. A deflection in a first bag reservoir associated with a self-checkout kiosk is determined. The first bag reservoir is positioned adjacent to a packing area and includes a first type of bags. The self-checkout kiosk includes a terminal scale and further includes a platform scale in the packing area. That an empty bag is retrieved from the first bag reservoir is determined based on the deflection in the first bag reservoir. A bag type and a weight range are identified for the empty bag. An allowed weight range of a combination of the empty bag and a desired item is then determined. Presence of the empty bag on the platform scale is prevented from causing a loss prevention alert to be generated when the desired item has been placed in the empty bag on the platform scale.

Abstract: Techniques of self-checkout alerts based on packaging detection. A given bag type of a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk is identified out of a bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk, the bag being an empty bag. A weight range of the empty bag is identified based on the given bag type. An allowed weight range of a combination of the empty bag and a desired item is determined based on the weight range of the empty bag, a weight of the desired item as measured by a terminal scale, and at least one of a measurement tolerance of the terminal scale and a measurement tolerance of a platform scale. A loss prevention alert is generated, and a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk is paused, upon determining that the allowed weight range is exceeded.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved packaging detection at self-checkout kiosks by identifying a given bag type for a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk out of a plurality of bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk; identifying a weight range for the given bag type; in response to determining that the bag has been moved to a packing area of the self-checkout kiosk, comparing a first weight in the packing area from before the bag was moved to the packing area with a second weight in the packing area that includes the bag; and in response to a difference between the first weight and the second weight falling outside of the weight range, generating a loss prevention alert and pausing a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved packaging detection at self-checkout kiosks by identifying a given bag type for a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk out of a plurality of bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk; identifying a weight range for the given bag type; in response to determining that the bag has been moved to a packing area of the self-checkout kiosk, comparing a first weight in the packing area from before the bag was moved to the packing area with a second weight in the packing area that includes the bag; and in response to a difference between the first weight and the second weight falling outside of the weight range, generating a loss prevention alert and pausing a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test chamber that can be used to perform a variety of X-ray and neutron spectroscopy experiments including powder diffraction, small-angle scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and pair distribution functions, such chamber comprising a first electrode with an X-ray transparent window; a second electrode with an X-ray transparent window; a plurality of insulating gaskets providing a hermetic seal around the sample and preventing contact between said first and second electrodes; and an insulating housing into which the first electrode is secured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test chamber that can be used to perform a variety of X-ray and neutron spectroscopy experiments including powder diffraction, small-angle scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and pair distribution functions, such chamber comprising a first electrode with an X-ray transparent window; a second electrode with an X-ray transparent window; a plurality of insulating gaskets providing a hermetic seal around the sample and preventing contact between said first and second electrodes; and an insulating housing into which the first electrode is secured.